北海道大学大学院 生命科学院では、キャリアパス教育の一環として、学部３年生を対象にしたイベント「DCは語る」（DC：Doctoral Course＝博士課程）を定期的に開催しています。博士課程の学生の研究生活や進学経験を聞くことで、進路の一つとして博士課程進学を考えてもらうことが目的です。2022年7月22日は、生命科学院生命融合科学コース 博士1年の藤本 愛（ふじもと あい）さんが話しました。藤本さんは、修士課程から細胞機能科学研究室に所属し、北村朗 講師の元で研究を進めています。北大DX博士人材フェローシップ生としても活躍しています。
fascinated by wonder
I was born and raised in Kansai, and spent my time there until college. I enrolled in the Faculty of School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacy at university, and chose Parkinson's disease as my theme for my graduation research. What sparked my interest was the fact that neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease were very close to us.
In neurodegenerative diseases, protein aggregates form in nerves. It becomes poisonous, the body becomes immobile, and dementia occurs. It was very strange that just the presence of protein aggregates would kill the nerves and make the body unable to move.
In particular, I wanted to study amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and its causative protein TDP-43. The keyword TDP-43 led me to my current supervisor, Lecturer Kitamura. I went to the laboratory and asked, "Please let me do research on TDP-43!" That's how I came to Hokkaido for my master's course.
Entering the doctoral course with new questions in mind
ALS is an intractable disease in which TDP-43 builds up in motor neurons, making it difficult to move, speak, and breathe. I started researching RNA (ribonucleic acid) that suppresses TDP-43 aggregation.
We started by purifying the protein TDP-43, but at first it was difficult to obtain a clean protein. Next, I searched for RNA that binds to TDP-43, but I had a hard time learning how to measure it. In addition, we will introduce RNA into the cells and examine whether aggregation of TDP-43 is suppressed. At that time, the problem was the inability to form aggregates and the death of the cells. As a result of searching around, I found that the introduction of RNA reduced aggregates, and I was able to apply for a patent and submit a paper.
I was able to produce one result in my master's program, but more questions arose. How does RNA suppress protein aggregation? Is it also effective in animal and human brain neurons? There were many things I didn't understand and things I wanted to confirm, so I entered the doctoral program to continue my research.
Confidence in overcoming
A doctoral program is not all about fun. I am worried about the future both in my research and in my private life. However, the result of overcoming difficult things little by little is a big confidence for me. I think the appeal of the doctoral course is that you can gain such experience.
We are currently aiming for live imaging of protein aggregation. It's exciting to think that we can actually see where RNA stops protein aggregation. I never thought I would be so addicted to research, but now I'm enjoying it to my heart's content.
【英語版】（概略のみ掲載）
Title: DC Talk: Overcoming Difficulties Builds Confidence
Text: Division of Biological Sciences (Macromolecular Functions), School of Science holds “DC Talk” (DC: Doctoral Course) for juniors as part of their career path education.
On July 22, 2022, Ms. Ai Fujimoto (DC1, Transdisciplinary Life Science Course, Graduate School of Life Science) gave a talk.
